Votum Crucis

The Crusading vow.

An innovation from pope Urban II, this was a votum volontarium and the peregrinatus (pilgrim) was making a promise to God. He was staking his salvation on the fulfillment of this promise. It had to be taken publicly and just after he could wear the famous cross of cloth on his tunic or cloak. Suddenly, with this badge, he was a different person. On the other hand, if the deed was not accomplished the Votum Crucis carried the sanction of excommunication.

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